John Blair Smith TODD

1814-1872

TODD, John Blair Smith, a Delegate from the Territory of Dakota; born in Lexington, Ky., April 4, 1814; moved with his parents to Illinois in 1827; attended private schools; was graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., in 1837; commissioned second lieutenant in the Sixth Infantry July 1, 1837, first lieutenant December 10, 1837, and captain November 8, 1843; served in the Seminole War 1837-1842 and in the war with Mexico; resigned from the Army September 16, 1856; became an Indian trader and settled in Fort Randall, Dak.; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1861 and commenced the practice of law in Yankton, Dak.; appointed brigadier general of Volunteers in the Union Army September 19, 1861, which appointment expired July 17, 1862; when the Territory of Dakota was formed was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-seventh Congress and served from December 9, 1861, to March 3, 1863; successfully contested the election of William Jayne to the Thirty-eighth Congress and served from June 17, 1864, to March 3, 1865; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1864 to the Thirty-ninth Congress; engaged in mercantile pursuits and the practice of his profession; served as speaker of the Territorial house of representatives in 1866 and 1867; unsuccessful candidate for election in 1868 to the Forty-first Congress; died in Yankton County, Dak. (now South Dakota), January 5, 1872; interment in Yankton Cemetery.